In this post comparing farming “then” to farming “now”, and in honor of the quickly approaching planting season, I interviewed my grandfather about his check-row planter that they used in the ‘30s. Back then, the typical farm size was 80-160 acres and they started planting corn around May 10th.

Grandpa says, “We started planting corn when the hedge leaves were the size of squirrel ears.”

Today we have technology to farm faster, more acres, more hours, and more yield potential through the use of guidance systems and 24, 36 or 48-row planters. And I doubt if anyone watches how big the leaves are on the hedge trees.

Here’s my interview about planting with my grandpa. Listen to more here

Until we walk again …